Queue: Disney Throwbacks

Hang on for a minute...we're trying to find some more stories you might like.

Email This Story

Send email to this addressEnter Your NameAdd a comment hereVerification

If you’re going to take a Netflix trip down memory lane, you might as well make it a good one. These films are some of the most wholesome and entertaining Disney throwbacks that will most certainly quench your nostalgic thirst. And extra bonus – once you watch one, your Netflix will never let you forget.

Sky High 4.5/5

Will Stronghold is the son of superhuman crime fighter Captain Stronghold and now it’s his turn to find his powers and save the world. On his first day of high school, Will gets on Ron Wilson’s bus (one that puts Miss Frizzle to shame) and rockets to his new school, Sky High.

After much anticipation he is deemed to be nothing but an unworthy sidekick surrounded by burgeoning heroes. Despite people pushing him down, Will discovers his true powers. He uses his newfound super strength to fend off school bullies, save his parents from a nemesis and win the hearts of his lover Layla and every middle school girl watching.

“Sky High” is arguably one of the best Disney throwbacks out there. With Will’s baby face, Warren Peace’s bad boy vibe and purple hair plus Layla’s ability to pull at your heart strings no matter where you fall on the spectrum – “Sky High” has something for everyone. And above all, “Sky High” reminds us when we’re feeling down not to forget there’s a little hero inside of everyone.

Holes: 4/5

Shia LaBeouf circa 2003 is reason enough to watch Holes. But aside from pre-pubescent Shia, “Holes” is a classic film well worth your time.

“Holes” follows the story of young Stanley Yelnats after he is sent to Camp Green Lake on false accusations of theft. At Camp Green Lake, Stanley spends his days digging five foot by five foot holes in the ground.

Stanley is gradually welcomed into the cohort of inmates including X-Ray, Armpit, Zig-Zag, Magnet, Squid and the beloved Zero. Throughout the movie Stanley uncovers the bad luck curse that has haunted his family for years, the very thing responsible for his time at Camp Green Lake. After many days in the sun, a great escape and a plethora of lizards, Stanley is able to put the Yelnats family back at peace.

If you’re looking to indulge yourself in some old Disney classics, “Holes” is the perfect combination of unpredictable, adorable and engaging.

Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior 3/5

In 2006, Brenda Song diverged from her “ironic,” offensive role as the dumb Asian in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody to a powerful and strong, yet super stereotypical, kung fu warrior in “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior.” Aside from Disney’s inability to not tokenize, there were many good things about the movie.

Song plays homecoming-queen-hopeful Wendy Wu who cares primarily about popularity and her heartthrob boyfriend. When tensions are high in the race to homecoming royalty status, Chinese Monk Shen knocks on Wendy’s door.

He is sent to her to make her a warrior and prevent an ancient evil spirit from destroying the world. Wendy works to train in martial arts and ancient tradition with the help of Shen. In the end, “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior” is no exception to the feel good and inspirational endings Disney invariably supplies. Wendy makes up with her rival and realizes popularity is all relative when you’re capable of destroying ancient evil spirits.

While “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior” isn’t the go-to Disney throwback, but it’s the perfect one when you want to mix it up and throw in some action-packed fun.